Filtered By: Topstories
News

COVID-19 cases in Philippines climb to 193 — DOH


Six new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were recorded in the Philippines, bringing the total number of infected persons to 193, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

Of this number, seven have recovered while 14 have died.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the number of cases in the country could peak to 75,000 within three months but could still be reduced if community quarantine measures are strictly followed. 

"Ito po ay isang modelling estimate na ginawa po ng ating mga eksperto kasama ang WHO (World Health Organization), ang ating mga epidemiologist din po dito sa ating bansa at sinasabi po na ang 75,000 ay aabutin natin kung hindi tayo maglalagay ng interventions na appropriate," she said in a press briefing.

"Pero ang sinasabi natin we can flatten this curve. Pwede ho nating i-prevent na mangyari na magpeak ang ganitong numero, so ibig sabihin po pwede nating i-spread across many months 'yan if only we can implement stringent measures po katulad nitong social distancing," she added.

The DOH acknowledged that the country already has sustained community transmission of COVID-19, prompting the government to raise Code Red Sub-Level 2 last week.

The whole Luzon has been placed under enhanced community quarantine to prevent the transmission of the virus.

Mass transportation system were suspended and several establishments—except those offering health and other vital services—were temporarily closed.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 929 placing the entire Philippines under a state of calamity,  allowing the government to tap more funds to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

The state of calamity will last for six months unless earlier lifted or extended by the President. —Dona Magsino/LBG/RSJ, GMA News

 

 

LOADING CONTENT